25 jobs lost as Balham M&S set to close (From Your Local Guardian)

25 jobs lost as Balham M&S set to close

12:30pm Wednesday 7th January 2009 in

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The Balham branch of Marks and Spencer (M&S) is earmarked for closure, the high-street chain announced today, leaving its 25 employees out of work.

The store in Balham High Road is one of 25 Simply Food branches across the country to close its doors, which could mean the loss of up to 780 jobs nationwide.

Stuart Rose, chairman of M&S, said: “We believe that we have looked at every available option and opportunity to keep the Balham store open, but in this tough trading environment it is no longer commercially viable.

"We are very sadly putting forward this proposal to close the store and will listen carefully to any suggestions employees have for alternatives.

“We have a great team here and I would like to thank them for their commitment to the store and for their hard work delivering excellent service to our customers.

“If this proposed closure goes ahead, we hope that our valued customers will continue to shop with M&S at one of our alternative local stores such as in Brixton, Chelsea, Clapham, Fulham or Colliers Wood which offer a wide variety of quality M&S products.”

A period of consultation will now start with the store's 25 employees.

In the event of closure, employees will be offered help from M&S to find alternative employment in the local area.

Two main chain stores in Woking and Valley Park in Croydon have also been earmarked for closure.